Annual Chinese New Year carnival, River Hongbao kicks off

SINGAPORE - The annual River Hongbao carnival kicked off on Wednesday evening at the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.

More than 1.1 million visitors are expected at the 11-day event, which features 28 displays of large handcrafted lanterns as well as performers, delicacies and handicraft from China's Yunnan province. Admission is free.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the guest of honour at the light-up ceremony on Wednesday. Health Minister Gan Kim Yong joined revellers at the event to usher in the Year of the Horse on Thursday.